patterns of consumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patterns of consumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing trends or behaviors related to how individuals or groups use goods and services. Example: "The study revealed significant patterns of consumption among different demographic groups, highlighting the impact of income on purchasing decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fortunes were made, forming new patterns of consumption.

The New York Times

Patterns of consumption changed almost month by month.

Independent

Outdoor apparel brand Patagonia has been at the vanguard of trying to shift patterns of consumption.

The Guardian

The patterns of consumption learned in childhood can last a lifetime".

The New York Times

Without a radical shift in perception, changing patterns of consumption are unlikely to improve the outlook.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For reasons related to both history and climate, there are pronounced geographic patterns of consumption of fats and oils.

Britannica

They shift along with changes in behaviour and patterns of consumption.

Independent

The ecological and social consequences of modern patterns of consumption are often overlooked, underestimated, and poorly theorized.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There are legitimate questions about how land should be used in future as the world's population grows and western patterns of consumption spread.

The Guardian

"There are signs of pressure on traditional patterns of consumption, and online is now the main source of news for young people," said the report.

The Guardian

In many ways, his line of work offers a window into the rural economy and its changing patterns of consumption.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the environmental impact, pair "patterns of consumption" with adjectives like "sustainable" or "unsustainable" to clearly convey the nature of the consumption habits being examined.

Common error

Avoid using "patterns of consumption" interchangeably with "consumerism". Consumption refers to the use of goods and services, while consumerism is the belief that it is good to buy and use a lot of goods and services. The former is a neutral description, the latter is a value-laden ideology.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patterns of consumption" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the typical or habitual ways in which individuals or groups use goods and services. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "patterns of consumption" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase for discussing trends in how individuals or groups utilize goods and services. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "consumption trends" or "spending habits" exist, "patterns of consumption" maintains a broad and widely understood meaning. Remember to use it accurately, differentiating it from related concepts like "consumerism". Understanding how the phrase is used and the nuances helps in more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consumption habits

Similar to "patterns of consumption" but with a stronger emphasis on routine and personal choices.

consumption trends

Focuses specifically on the direction or tendency of consumption over time.

consumer behavior

Emphasizes the actions and decisions of consumers related to purchasing and using goods and services.

spending behaviors

Similar to "spending habits", but may include a wider array of financial decisions, not just purchasing.

spending habits

Highlights the regular and repeated ways in which individuals or groups spend money.

purchasing patterns

Specifically relates to the act of buying and the manner in which purchases are made.

consumption profiles

Suggests a detailed overview of consumption behaviors, often used in market research.

resource utilization

Focuses on how resources are used, not just consumed, implying a broader scope.

demand characteristics

Emphasizes the features and qualities that drive demand for goods and services.

usage models

Describes typical ways products or services are used, particularly in technical or analytical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "patterns of consumption" in a sentence?

You can use "patterns of consumption" to discuss trends or behaviors related to how people use goods and services. For instance, "The study revealed significant "patterns of consumption" among different demographic groups."

What's a good alternative to "patterns of consumption"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "consumption trends", "spending habits", or "consumer behavior".

How do "patterns of consumption" affect the environment?

Unsustainable "patterns of consumption" can lead to resource depletion, pollution, and climate change. Shifting to sustainable "patterns of consumption" is crucial for environmental preservation.

What factors influence "patterns of consumption"?

Factors such as income, culture, technology, and personal preferences significantly influence "patterns of consumption". Understanding these factors is key to predicting and influencing consumer behavior.